Hello and welcome to Season Five. If you are reading in the future here is a small reminder to tell you that this arc will be mostly original content. Small parts of the manga will be used but it will not follow the canon of the real show. It will still be a crazy ride though, so I hope you will enjoy! I've been very excited to start this arc, so let's go!

A soft ringing echoed through Amari's dorm room as she rolled over sleepily, groaning as she did so. After finding the object she was searching for, the girl then slammed her hand over the microphone, silencing the beep all at once. Setting alarms was never really her thing.

Although today was different, the girl slumping out of her bed before moving towards her calendar and crossing off the previous day. Another day alive, another day of opportunity. Amari was thankful for it, knowing that someday soon everything would be cut short.

Then she glanced at her phone before picking up the object, her fingers dancing across the buttons. It was time to get to work, and she knew exactly how to start it.

After a couple soft rings, he heard the boys voice on the other side, his words slurred as if he was confused. "Amari, what's going on, is everything's okay?"

It was obvious that he hadn't expected her call, causing Amari to smile into the line, continuing like nothing was wrong. "Hey Toshi, what are you doing today?"

Yawning back, the boy answering half heartedly. "Sleeping?"

The girl only chuckled at that, possibly a little too quick as she replied. "Since when? With those bags under your eyes all the time?"

Shinso didn't seem to share her amusement though, given that it was so early. "Did you call just to insult me?"

Smirking back, Amari answered. "Possibly?"

The boy only groaned at that, shaking his head before already pulling the phone from his ear. "I can't deal with you this early. How about you try again when the sun's actually up?"

That's when Bakugo panicked, leaning forward on her chair all at once. She pushed him too far, and now he was going to ruin her plan. Amari knew she had to draw him back quickly. "Hey hey, come on. Don't be like that. I was just wondering if you wanted to train with me today?"

This caused him to pause, which Amari was thankful for. "You want me to train with you?"

Nodding back, the girl knew she had him back, leaning forward on her chair. "I mean, yeah. It's been so long since we've had a match, and plus I gotta see those new skills you've been hiding. Can't have you beating me now, can we?"

A small pause appeared then, hoping that he would take the bait she so clearly laid out for him. Yet what she got instead was uncertainty. "I don't get it, why me? Go ask your new hero course buddies to help you. We won't even be in the same class in a couple weeks."

Bakugo's face fell then, her eyes saddening at his words. She had no idea the boy was upset by her placement back into the hero course. Perhaps he thought she was mocking him because of her position? That's not what she wanted at all.

Placing a hand to her desk, Amari's eye's fell onto her open notebook before answering. "Hold on, just because we won't be in the same class doesn't mean we can't be friends."

The line was silent once again only for the boy to respond, regret now in his tone. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry short stuff. I guess I'm just a little jealous about your situation. I know you deserve it, it's just…"

Amari answered for him though. "It's okay. I completely understand, although don't sell yourself short. Besides, you never know what will happen in the future. You just gotta have faith Toshi.

The girl then smiled to herself, knowing that he wasn't going to have to feel jealous for long, now continuing. "Come on, let's train together like old times. Besides, I haven't kicked your ass in quite some time, I think I'm due."

She could hear his laugh through the phone, Shinso replying back a moment later. "Fine, but I'm not going anywhere until the sun is up. You'll just have to wait till then to lose."

Whistling back, Amari shook her head. "Oh, confident aren't we? Alright then, that's fair. I'll send you the location in a couple hours. I actually have something to do beforehand anyways."

Yawning once more, Shinso's voice echoed back before hearing his line rustle. It sounded like he was crawling back into bed. "Mmmm now let me sleep."

Bakugo then kicked her feet towards the ground, hoisting herself up as well. "Alright alright. See you Shih Tzu."

She heard a low grumble before he barely muttered back, obviously catching his old nickname. "Watch it short stuff…"

Then the line hung up, allowing Amari to shove the object back into her pocket, determination on her features.

Yes it was true, her time was limited, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to make the most of it, especially for those she held dear.

Knocking on the surface in front of her, the door opened only for Amari to be immediately tackled by something running onto her legs, knocking the small girl over all at once. "Whoaa!"

She then looked down only to catch the sight of a very familiar head of white hair. "Sissy, You're here!

Amari couldn't help but smile at that, touching the small child's head a patting it twice, something Katsuki seemed to do for her to show affection. "How have you been Eri? I hope Mr Aziawa hasn't been too grumpy to you."

She giggled at her own joke when another voice entered, the man obviously not amused by her words. "Bakugo stop acting like I'm not in the room."

Putting a playful hand to her neck, Bakugo stumbled back to her feet. "Ah, there you are! Just the man I wanted to see! Thanks for agreeing to meet with me today. I know it's an off day for you and everything.."

Aziawa only shook his head though. "It's alright, Eri has been keeping me busy as it is anyways. Besides, you seemed to stress it's importance so this better be good."

Amari knew that he had taken the small child under his wing, given that she was still dangerous with her quirk. It was the only way to make sure she was safe but it didn't seem like Aziawa seemed to mind.

Nodding back, Bakugo replied. "Yeah, it is."

Giving her a look, the man then sighed before leading her into another room, closing the door after them so they could speak freely without Eri listening in. "Go on then."

Bakugo remained silent for a moment before realizing this was it. She really had to get him onboard with this or else everything would fall apart. "It's not about me, it's about one of my classmates."

Reaching into her bag, she then pulled out a stack of papers before slapping them on the desk in front of her. "Hitoshi Shinso. He's currently in general studies but I believe that he belongs into a hero course as well."

The man stared at the papers on the table before narrowing his eyes in disinterest. "Is this what you came for? If so, then you can pack up your stuff and leave."

Balling her hands into fists, Amari expected this, now speaking out again. "Hold on, just hear me out for a second. Shinso is just as capable as me but no one has given him a chance to show off his talent. He's grown since the sports festival and…"

Yet the man only shook his head, glancing at the purple haired boy pictured in the center of her folder. "I admire your loyalty to your friends but that's not how this school operates. Just because you think someone belongs in the hero course doesn't mean you can do what you want."

Shaking her head, Bakugo fired back. "Yes, I know and I'm not expecting anything. I just want people to look at him, to give him a chance to show everyone what he can do. I'm not trying to cheat his way into the course, I just want to give him the same opportunities I had."

Aziawa still did seem pleased though, now staring into her eyes before replying. "So you're saying that this boy has the capabilities to become a hero?"

Amari only nodded though, a serious expression on her face. "Yes, I would bet my life on his potential Sir."

Narrowing his expression, Aziawa noticed her determination for the boy although he knew very well where her loyalties were. Yes it was obvious that she wanted to help her friend but he was unsure if it was because of her relation to him or because of his talent. Those two lines tend to blur so easily after all.

He then let his voice come out cruel and cold, causing the girl's eyes to widen all at once. "What if you had to give up your spot in the hero course in exchange for his?"

Amari stood silent then, her heart dropping into her chest. She had wanted nothing more than to join her brother, Todoroki and her friends, to prove to the world that she was worthy enough to be that course. She had worked for months to get back, and now he was suggesting she'd give it up?

But then she thought about Shinso and his past, his determination and desire to be recognized. He was pushing himself so hard and no one was looking in his direction, nobody was given him the chance to rise above. She could do that for him, she could make people know his name.

Yes the sacrifice would hurt, but if it made his dream come true, then Amari would happily claw her way back to the top. She had done it once before, she could do it again.

Her voice returned confident, surprising even the man himself as she replied. "Yes, if that is what it takes for him to get recognized, then I would give up my spot for him."

Aziawa stood there, dumbfounded by her decision. She obviously didn't understand what she was saying. This girl had worked so hard to get back into his class, and she was just going to give it up for that boy? "Bakugo.."

Yet Amari only shook her head, cutting him off. "Before you claim I'm not serious, I've wanted nothing more than to be in the hero course this entire semester. I've worked my ass off to stay at the level of my classmates but I also know I've been given the support by so many. Endeavor, Hawks and Sir Nighteye believed in me, they helped me get to where I am. But for Shinso, if I have to give up my spot just to give him one of the chances I've been given, then I would do it in a heartbeat."

After her declaration, Aziawa stood silent, now realizing just how serious she was about the boy. At first he thought she wasn't serious yet from the tone of her voice to the thick air already then, the man soon figured out how much this meant to her. Bakugo would really give up everything just to help him succeed? He wasn't sure if he had ever met someone like that before.

Balling her hands into a fist, the girl then finished strongly, pointing to one of the pictures before them. "If you still don't believe me, come watch him fight today, see for yourself how strong he is, because I know you'll see it too. You will see the potential and passion he has for this, just like I have."

Amari then closed her eyes, knowing that was all she could do, hoping that it was enough for the man to listen to her. She supposed time would only tell after all.

Not expecting an answer, the girl began to write something down on a stray piece of paper before placing it onto the table silently.

Amari then turned around on her heels before walking out of the door, her voice carrying one last and final time before leaving. "Take a chance on him Mr. Aziawa, I promise you won't regret it."

Then just like that, the girl was gone, only leaving the teacher to contemplate what she had said, and the decision he now had to make because of her words.

A couple of hours later, Shinso showed up to the location that Amari had texted him, duffle bag in hand. He was still confused as to why she would choose him to train with, given that she had much stronger allies now, including the big three. She could have picked anyone and yet the girl was still hanging around him.

Although he couldn't help but be glad for it, now seeing her run up to him happily, a little hop in her step. Why did she have to be so damn adorable all the time? "Toshi, there you are! Come on you slow poke!"

The new nickname she gave him wasn't good for his heart either, strolling up to her before placing a hand out in exasperation. "Whoa, hold on. Why are you in such a rush?"

Yet the girl only shook her head, keeping her eye out for Aziawa but coming up empty. She supposed it would take some more time, that is if he took the bait at all. "I guess I'm just excited. You've been talking really big the last couple of weeks and everything after all."

This caused Shinso to smirk under his breath, the two making their way to the training area all at once. "Yeah, you better prepare yourself Amari, I've had some practice."

Bakugo only looked ecstatic though, placing her bag down before taking a long swig of her water. "Alright, same as always. No quirks, just hand to hand combat. I wanna see if you still suck."

At her insult, the boy scoffed playfully before they moved to the center of the ring. "Are you underestimating me? That doesn't sound like Bakugo Amari at all."

Yet the girl shook her head, readying her fists. "Of course not Toshi, I know how good you can be. So go on, show me what you've got."

Then before Shinso could react, the girl threw a fist in his direction, causing the boy to just barely miss, now stepping to his left to avoid the blow. "Whoa, okay so that's how it is..."

Smirking under his breath, he then stepped onto his right foot before throwing one of his own punches, Bakugo spinning around to block his hit with her forearm.

The force was stronger than before, but still not painful which meant that Shinso was still holding back on her, and that was something she couldn't have, especially since they could have eyes on them right now. "Is that all you got Shih Tzu?"

But before she could finish that sentence, the boy side swept her leg, causing the small girl to tumble to the ground in a hard groan, her elbow jamming into the title. "That's cheating, you jerk!"

Shinso only smirked back though, coaxing her with his words. "Oh, what's this? Is short stuff being a sore loser?"

This caused Bakugo to narrow her eyes, enjoying his mocking tone. His confidence had definitely improved since she last trained him, which she was glad for. He had every right to know how amazing he was. "Oh, you're gonna regret that."

Reaching down to get to her level, Amari then smirked before kicking her leg to connect with his nose, now using her hands to backbend herself back to her feet proudly. "What was that about being a sore loser?"

Shinso groaned at the action, noticing that her hit wasn't as strong as usual, probably so she wouldn't break his nose. He then realized that she was matching his punches so they were at the same level. That was such a technical thing to do, and yet she was doing it like nothing.

Rubbing her arm, Amari then tilted her head towards the viewing platform, now seeing a black outline watching their fight. She couldn't make out the shape of the person, but she hoped it was who she thought it was. Now it was time to get serious.

Amari snapped out of her thoughts when she saw Shinso's fist barrel into her again, this time connecting with her left shoulder as she stumbled back. Although like before, his hits were not serious, they were light, like he was afraid to hurt her.

That wasn't going to make Aziawa notice him in the slightest, Amari now frowned back at his hit. "You call that a hit?! Bullshit, come fight me like you mean it!"

Shinso only stared at her in confusion though, not understanding her anger. This was like last time back at the summer training camp. "Amari, I don't want to hurt you. Even if this is training, you're still my friend."

Yet the girl only shook her head, balling her fists. "It doesn't matter. You'll never get anywhere if you keep giving me these weak ass hits. Are you holding back because you think I can't handle it? It doesn't matter if I am a friend, you need to show me that you're serious!"

Racing at him again, Amari outstretched her fist, as if she was daring him to hit her with everything he had, although Shinso still faltered. He knew what she wanted, but he just couldn't bring himself to hurt the girl he had feelings for.

Shinso then stepped to the side, sliding under Bakugo's swing before calling back to her roughly. "Amari, I can't."

Hearing the words of rejection in her ears, Amari paused. This wouldn't work, she knew he could do better. If she was a villain then he would have had no problem hitting her. She needed to do something and fast, before Aziawa lost interest.

If he could only fight a villain, then Bakugo realized she had to be that for him. "Then you're a coward, and you wonder why you still aren't in the hero course."

Her sharp words stopped the boy completely, a look of disbelief and irritation now lining his features. Yes, that's good Shinso, get pissed off so you can let loose. "What did you just say?"

Knowing she had got him, Bakugo ran at him again, kicking her leg up to connect with his side, using her entire power to show him that she was serious. "You think you can get anywhere in life by holding back? I made it back into the hero course because I worked my ass off, so what are you doing Shih tzu?! Are you not serious about it after all?!"

She purposely used his old nickname to tick him off even further, knowing fully well that Shinso had also worked his ass off to get where he was, but she needed to work him up. Amari knew she'd have to apologize later.

Not giving the boy a moment's peace, Amari then aimed her leg again, only for Shinso to wrap his fingers around the surface, fury in his eyes. Ah yes, that was the look. "You don't get to tell me I'm not serious. I've worked my entire life to be a hero!"

Narrowing her eyes, Amari gave him another verbal jab, causing the purple haired boy's eyes to widen. "You could've fooled me with those weak punches. You say you're serious? Then, prove it…"

That was the last word the girl was able to say before Shinso balled his fist as it connected with Bakugo's stomach, now feeling the absolute power from it. That wasn't weak at all. She had him.

Smirking under her breath, Amari then went to swipe his leg only for the boy to dodge, stepping away almost entirely, his voice full of malice. "Fine, if that's what you want. I can deliver."

Then before the girl could ever think, Shinso was after her again, except this time he was much faster than before, Bakugo struggling to block his hits now. He was using his tall nature to his advantage now, very clever.

Throwing a fist up, Amari lifted her hands only for the boy to trick her, now using his leg to kick her knees forcefully, the girl crumbling to the ground in sharp pain.

Yet she didn't have time to react, now seeing another fist come towards her face, Bakugo rolling away in time as Shinso's hand connected hard with the title.

He groaned as Bakugo scrambled to her feet, only for her legs to before being pulled back by Shinso, his long arms dragging her across the floor as she squealed.

Once he brought her back, the boy aimed a fist for her face again, only for Amari to panic. It was obvious that he was too focused on the fight to realize the amount of damage he would cause if he punched her with everything to her face.

As the hand flew down, Bakugo knew she couldn't let him win, now throwing up a gold shield to block his hit. Hey, it was cheating but at least she wouldn't have a broken nose.

Seeing her cheating, Shinso eyed her with confusion as she reached forward, her gold hand burning his hold on her leg all at once. "Sorry, I had to."

He seethed at the sensation, allowing her to scramble away and regain her place standing. Serious Shinso was not to be messed with, that was for sure.

The action seemed to make him even more pissed off though, staring at her with disbelief. "You don't get to tell me how I feel, about the obstacles I face with my quirk. No, the great Bakugo Amari would never understand how much shit I go through just to be considered as more than a villain."

Knowing that Aziawa could be listening, Amari played along, knowing that Shinso was just rambling because of his anger. He probably wasn't even realizing what he was saying. "Oh, cry me a river Shih tzu. We've all had shit to deal with, but half assing your way into the hero course is not what your parents would be proud of!"

She knew that would further his anger, causing him to narrow his eyes in fury at her words. "Don't bring them into this. Those people were never my parents so don't ever call them that. You wouldn't understand, you have a family that supports you, all I have is myself. So don't you dare tell me that I'm not worthy enough to be in that damn course, because I will prove to everyone that even someone with a villain quirk like me can be a hero!"

Amari couldn't believe his statement, knowing how hurt he was by his past but never truly seeing his passion so openly like that. He was hurting, just like she was, he was trying, just like she was. It was obvious how much Shinso wanted this, and Bakugo wanted to give it to him.

Slowly letting her hands fall to the sides, Bakugo then gave out a shaky breath before holding her arm from the sting. "Yeah, I know you can be a hero Toshi. In fact, you are gonna be a damn great one. I can already tell."

He blinked in confusion then, as if her words had snapped him back to reality, now staring at his bruised hands and Amari's purple arms. "W-What?"

Shaking her head, Bakugo laughed to herself. "Sorry, before I was just trying to piss you off. I didn't mean it, because I already know how hard you work. I just wanted you to show it instead of taking it easy on me."

Shinso realized what she had deliberately done before letting his own head fall. Of course she would do something like that, now moving up to her before placing a hand to the growing purple mark, Amari flinching at the touch. "You idiot. I hurt you.."

The girl only scoffed though, shaking her arm out to get rid of the sting. "Ah, don't worry about it, this is nothing. I'm just glad you finally hit me with your real strength. I gotta say Toshi, I'm impressed, you've definitely improved."

Laughing to herself, Amari then said something else but Shinso didn't hear her words, only focusing on the bruises he had caused. Bakugo sure was crazy, that was for sure.

Amari then glanced back towards the viewing window only to find it empty. She sighed to herself, hoping that their display was enough for the wandering eyes.

Although, now the ball was in his court.

Yawning once, Shinso turned the corner to get to the train only for a voice to stop him almost immediately. "Hitoshi Shinso, is it?"

The boy then turned only to find a very familiar pair of eyes staring back at him. He knew this guy anywhere, in fact he was legendary in the hero world. Eraserhead, aka one of U.A. teachers. "Uhh yeah. That's me."

Crossing his arms across his chest, the man sighed. "I'll cut this short. I was told to watch you fight today, and I didn't really see the purpose at first. I wondered why I should waste my time on a general studies kid."

Shinso only frowned back though, wondering why this guy was here just to insult him. "I don't.."

Yet Aziawa only put up his hand, not allowing him to finish. "That is what I thought, until I saw what she meant. Your quirk is brainwashing, correct?"

Nodding back, the boy answered with confusion, "Yeah, although it's not really great for physical attacks. That's why I botched the entrance exam last year."

Aziawa only narrowed his eyes though, as if he was processing what the boy was saying. "That's right, I recall your file. You don't know how to use it for physical fighting."

He nodded back only for the teacher to speak again, his voice plain and smooth. "You said you wanted to join the hero course, right? You won't be able to do it without proper training."

Shinso didn't know where he was going with this. Did this guy come out here to insult and belittle him for not being as strong as him? "What, are you saying you'll take the job?"

He meant it as a joke, but the boy certainly stopped when Aziawa replied back. "Would that consisted be a problem?"

Widening his eyes, Shinso blinked twice, not sure if she had just heard incorrectly. "W-What? You can't be serious…"

Yet the man only turned his head. "Why wouldn't I be?"

He felt his mind go in a hundred different directions, now sputtering back. "Because I'm not even in the hero course, and my quirk is so hard to handle, especially for battle."

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Aziawa then turned his head to the sky, thinking about something in particular. "You said before that you didn't have anyone to rely on, that you had a villain quirk. Those were things I used to say back when I was your age."

Shinso stared at him with disbelief as the man continued. "People forget that erasing someone's quirk could be considered villainous as well. That's what everyone used to think anyways, until I showed them differently."

Then he turned his face back to Shinso's before finishing. "Decide what you want, but if you want to show them you're not a villain, then it's now or never kid."

Trying to take in his words, the boy realized what he was trying to say. Could it be that Aziawa faced the same challenges as he did? That he understood the struggles of a villainous quirk? No, it couldn't be. Easerhead wasn't like him.

Shinso looked down at his hands before knowing his answer immediately. He wasn't sure if he could be what he wanted, but the boy knew he had to try. He would be stupid to waste this opportunity of a pro looking in his direction. "I want to do everything I can. If you'll take me, I would be honored to be your student."

Aziawa seemed pleased by that answer, nodding back once. Curse that Bakugo girl, she probably knew that he and Shinso shared the same past. That's why she had that crazy amount of knew it would end like this.

Well, whether he liked the methods or not, it looked like he had a new trainee. "We have work to do then."

Staring at the unread messages to Dabi on her phone, Amari sighed heavily before closing the object, the noise carrying across the space as she reached for the remote to her left.

It had been weeks since the incident in Kyushu and because of Endeavor's newfound popularity, his agency was bustling with business, causing the hero to become even more absent.

It wasn't like Amari was upset by it though, in fact she was happy that the people were putting their trust in the new number one hero. Although it brought a new worry into her mind, her training.

Because Endeavor was so busy, it had left little time for her training, the girl now falling even more behind than before. The provisional exams were coming fast, and she didn't have a trainer to help her anymore. She knew Todoroki's father was trying his best but it seemed impossible to do both.

Just then, one of the man's sidekicks poked her on the back, causing Amari to turn back all at once. "Bakugo, can you deliver this down the hall? It has to be on Endeavor's desk by tonight."

Nodding back, the girl quickly grabbed the file before standing. She knew they were just giving her busy work to get her mind off everything, but she was grateful for it nonetheless. "Yeah, of course."

Bakugo slipped out the door before making her way down the hall when something plowed into her back, causing the girl to trip almost immediately, making her way towards the floor.

Although that didn't happen, Amari instead finding a strong hand wrapped around her waist to support her, the sound of wings filling the air all at once. "Whoaa, you okay chickadee?"

Amari recognized the nickname all at once, up looking up to find Hawks grinning back joyfully. "Hawks, what are you doing here?"

She didn't thank him, only because his presence seemed suspicious. The man didn't seem to mind though, placing her back on her feet. "Just helping a damsel in distress. You know, normal hero stuff."

He avoided the question which made Bakugo throw up a skeptical eye. She clearly felt something push her to the ground a second ago. Did this guy really just use his feather to push her only to act like her savior? Of course knowing his record, that seemed like something he would do.

Brushing herself off, Amari only scoffed. "Mhmm sure, and do all heroes push someone down just to act like they are saving them, or is that just you?"

Hawks' eyes widened that silently then before flexing back into his crooked grin. This girl was smart, perhaps too smart. "What, of course not. That sounds cruel. I just wanted to help ya out. Is that so wrong?"

Bakugo still didn't seem pleased though, only brushing off his comment. "Sure, let's go with that to make you feel better. Well, I won't thank you for that, but I'm glad you're here Hawks."

The man raised an eye at that, wondering why she could possibly be glad, although he didn't have to wait long for her to answer. "You gave me your recommendation so I could get back into the hero course, didn't you? I wanted to thank you for that."

Now realizing what she had meant, the bird's feathers relaxed, although he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty about her words. He clearly didn't have good intentions when he did that. "Oh, it's nothing chickadee. You deserved it."

That was true, Hawks did feel like she deserved it after seeing her fight, although the real reason the president agreed was only because Amari could be watched closer in the hero course. It was more on the record, which meant the commission would know her movements.

So his guilt certainly didn't lessen when Amari only smiled back, her innocence slamming into him like a truck. "Still, it seems you keep having my back, and I'm thankful for it. We don't even know each other that well, but you seem like a good person."

Hawks shook his head then, internally regretting what he had to do to this girl. Traitor or not, she was still only fifteen. Chickadee please don't give me those eyes. I'm not a good person.

Throwing a hand to her back, the man only beamed. "Ah well, thank ya chickadee. Now where is the man of the hour anyways? I wanted to chat with my good pal Endeavor."

That was a flat out lie, in fact the only reason Hawks came to the agency was because he knew that Bakugo was going to be there. Although it wasn't like he could say that.

The girl only shook her head though, sighing roughly as if she was disappointed. "Well you're out of luck birdie, he's on duty today. After what happened in Kyushu, calls keep coming in nonstop for him."

Notching her touch her arm, Hawks pushed deeper into her insecurity. "Why the long face? You seem upset about his newfound popularity. Isn't that what you wanted?"

He then watched as she narrowed her eyes, seemingly like she was annoyed by his statement. "It's not that, I'm happy for him. It just makes things more difficult I guess."

She meant that in more ways than one. Of course she meant her training but it also meant her plan of bringing Todoroki's family together. With Endeavor so absent, it would be harder to create a bound with his kids. Amari knew she'd just have to keep pushing through.

Hawks on the other hand seemed very interested in the last detail of her sentence. "How so?"

Blinking back to reality, Bakugo then stared back at the bird, not realizing she had said that out loud. "Huh?"

The man eyed her curiously before replying back. "How does his popularity make things difficult? What, you got some sort of plan or something?"

He meant it as a joke, but stopped speaking when the bird noticed a tiniest amount of fear in her eyes. Wait. Did that mean she really had a plan for Endeavor, but what could it be? Was it something sinister, something to do with her being a traitor? Hawks really wanted to know.

Although he lost his chance when Bakugo shook her head. "Nah, it's nothing. Never mind. I'm just rambling. It happens when I'm stressed."

The hero didn't believe that for one second though, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. No, there was something definitely up with her words. He'd have to investigate that later.

Then he decided to get down to business, fluffing his wings out in a carefree manner. "Mmm okay. Well maybe you can answer my questions then, since Endeavor is busy."

Twisting her brow into uncertainty, Amari replied. "What makes you think I would know the answer?"

Hawks only smirked then, already knowing she would give him something. "Oh, I think you will. It kinda involves you after all."

Narrowing her eyes, Hawks continued. "How well did you know All for One?"

Bakugo stood silent then, feeling her blood run cold all at once. What did he want with All for One, and why was he asking her about it?

The hero couldn't help but notice her reaction at his words, the name causing her eyes to light up with such clear fear and terror. Before she was able to hide it but it seemed like that villain was so powerful to her, that she couldn't help but react.

Touching her arms, Amari replied back as evenly as she could, although it wasn't as calm as she would've liked. "Why are you asking about him?"

Another sign of fear, the move itself causing Hawks to push further. "Well, I'm sure you heard about the breakout that happened yesterday. You met him before, right? I guess I'm just wondering what he was like."

Closing her eyes for a couple moments, Bakugo replied. "He kidnapped me, so I'm sure you can imagine what he was like."

Nodding back, the bird continued to push. "Right, but did he say why he wanted you? It was never covered in the news, so I guess I'm just curious."

He was getting close, far too close to important information. She had to lie, to throw him off before he discovered anything dangerous. "I don't know, he didn't really say. He just liked my quirk and wanted it for himself. I think that's what it was."

Flapping his wings in thought, Hawks picked up on her fear, but that was about it. It was hard to tell if she was telling the truth or not based on her response. He didn't have any reason at the moment to be skeptical of her answer, but he also didn't want to be naive. Hawks already knew the girl could lie, and lie well.

Then she watched as she placed a shaky hand to her cheek before answering. "I don't really like talking about it. Can we please go onto something else?"

Hawks' eyes softened then, truly seeing the torment his name brought her. He supposed it did make sense, he did kidnap her after all. Who knows what terrible things that man could have done before the heros rescued her. She was just a kid after all. "Uh yeah, sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Taking a calming breath, the girl replied softly. "It's okay. Sorry I don't have the information you wanted."

The hero only shook his head though, feeling bad for bringing up something obviously so personal to her. He was going to ask her about All for One's masterpiece but now wasn't really the time. Her fear would just cover up any information she had right now.

He did know one thing though, she couldn't be working for All for One given that response. She was too afraid. "No, it's okay. Don't worry about it kid."

That's when the bird recalled their conversation before coming up with the perfect plan, one that would most definitely figure out Bakugo's intentions. "In fact, how about I bring up your spirits a bit! I just got a great idea, you're gonna love it"

Flapping his wings in excitement, Amari's face twisted into confusion. "What are you talking about Hawks?"

That's when the winged hero gleamed with joy. "You said that Endeavor's been absent because of his hero work right?"

Bakugo nodded back, unsure where he was going with this. That is, until he spoke again. "I was thinkin, that since ol number one is busy, how about I help you get ready for your provisional exam!"

He expected her to be happy, to jump for joy at his offer. Although Amari did none of those things, instead she just looked at him like he was an idiot. "Why would you do that?"

Scoffing playfully, Hawks answered. "Because I wanna help ya out chickadee. You remind me a lot of myself so I wanna do what I can."

The man did want to help her, but he also knew that having Bakugo as his short time trainee, he could really integrate her. Hawks knew that with this method he could get her to trust him enough to tell him her secrets. The man just had to get her to break her walls down for him. Come on Bakugo, take the bait. You know you want to.

Amari seemed skeptical as well, knowing fully well how shady this bird was. "Didn't you just accuse me of working with Dabi not too long ago?"

At that, Hawks only laughed the comment away. "What, can you blame me? The information looked bad. I can't help that. But now that I've seen you in action, I should know what side you're on, right?"

His words were calculating, like he was telling her that he still didn't know what side she was on. Hawks hoped she wouldn't catch onto that. That's right chickadee, I don't trust you.

Although it seemed like she didn't, now sighing back in response. Sure he was shady, but he was also the number two hero. He could really help her in her provisional exam, if she was careful. She really hated relying on this obviously suspicious bird, but what choice did she have?

Already knowing what she was going to pick, Hawks gave a triumphant smile, knowing he had her right where he wanted her. Soon it would be game over for her.

Shoving her hand into her pockets, the girl then took another breath before replying clear and confident. No matter how nosy Hawks decided to get, Amari already knew she wouldn't let him break her of her goal, not one bit. "I accept your offer Hawks."

The game is on. Hawks, you are gonna be in some serious deep water when you find out about Amari. Oop. Man it would really suck if they grew closer, given the information we know. I guess we'll just have to see. I love writing Hawks and Amari interactions since they are both onto each other's shady actions. Like they both know that they are trying to play each other. Also as we can see, they both share manipulative tendencies.

And here we have Amari really out here, making things happen for the people she loves. We love to see it. She's really trying to check off that list the best she can.

Next Chapter: Amari starts to train at Hawks' agency and U.A.'s new semester with our girl in the hero course